Illustrated by Kelly Collier
Published by Kids Can Press
Forthcoming: May 5, 2026
Available for Preorder
From award-winning team behind How to Party Like a Snail comes an uproariously funny and totally relatable tale of a monster who loves school, but hates the commute!
It’s eight o’clock, Bird tells Monster — time to walk to school. Monster stays in bed. It’s not school he’s resisting. He loves school! It’s the getting there he hates. And, today, Monster declares, he will not walk to school. Will Bird’s cajoling help? Nope. How about Bird’s reminder that the pancake breakfast is today? Hmm. Will there be pepperoni and pineapple on those pancakes? Erm … yes? With maple syrup on the side? Yes. Okay. Monster will drag himself out the door. But, no matter what, he will not walk to school!
Author Naseem Hrab’s hilarious story, told entirely in speech balloons, is sure to resonate with young children everywhere (and their grown-ups!). Who hasn’t had one of those days? With an absurdity and nuttiness reminiscent of Mo Willems, this book will keep readers laughing out loud, unable to resist Monster’s hilarious antics as he sticks to his promise! Kelly Collier’s playful illustrations perfectly capture the emotional state of Monster and of Bird’s growing exasperation.
While books about going to school are perennial favorites, this one’s focus on simply getting there sets it apart from other picture books about school readiness. It’s just the right weekday morning story for children who are delaying their own walks to school … and looking for ways to make them more fun!
Illustrated by John Martz
Published by Groundwood Books
Forthcoming: March 3, 2026
Available for Pre-Order
Playful and poetic, Every Space Between highlights the little moments tucked between beginnings and endings, between actions and reactions, between you and me — and shows how special an ordinary day can become if you pay close enough attention.
You can find in-betweens everywhere! Some are as overlooked as the space between an itch and a scratch. Others are as thrilling as the pause between making a wish and blowing out your birthday candles. How you feel about an in-between really does depend on your perspective ... and each one is full of potential.
Once you spot the spaces in-between, everything changes. Instead of rushing from one thing to the next, you can pause to collect and reflect. Is this something you really want to do? How much longer can you wait? Maybe it's time to say ... sorry?
Sparkling with the signature wit of Naseem Hrab (author of How to Party Like a Snail) and the cracking comedic timing of John Martz (illustrator of How to Give Your Cat a Bath: In Five Easy Steps), Every Space Between is an unexpected invitation to a world of possibilities!
Illustrated by Kelly Collier
Published by Owlkids Books
Forthcoming: October 14, 2025
Available for Pre-Order
Snail and Stump return in this sweetly humorous story about finding the courage to share your feelings
Snail’s not afraid of (certain) loud noises, exploring the glade, or lullaby karaoke. But he is afraid of asking for help, making mistakes, and believing in himself. And so, it’s only with support from his best friend Stump that he finds the courage to enter a local paper airplane contest.
However, after the contest, it’s Stump who needs support when he becomes heated and upset after not winning a ribbon. Fortunately, Snail knows just what to do to help Stump work through his difficult feelings. Together, they find the courage to tell each other exactly how they feel—prickly thoughts and all!—and then they write their feelings down on paper airplanes and let them go.
In their third laugh-out-loud adventure, Snail and Stump discover that the best kind of brave is finding the courage to share your feelings, even when your bravery is playing hide-and-seek.
Praise for How to Be Brave Like a Snail
“Exaggerated expressions on the friends’ googly-eyed faces in Collier’s simply drawn illustrations make the emotional ups and downs apparent even for very young viewers in this third outing featuring a quiet-loving snail and his rooted, rambunctious neighbor. Hrab makes one lesson explicit at the end: “Sometimes, being brave just means telling your friend how you really feel.” Another, perhaps profounder message is embedded in seeing how these two true superheroes are sensitive to each other’s emotions and willing to support each other as needed.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Illustrated by Kelly Collier
Published by Owlkids Books
Forthcoming: April 15, 2025
Available for Pre-Order
Otis and Peanut are back with more playful and profound stories in the third instalment of this critically acclaimed junior graphic novel series. Together, the iconic long-haired guinea pig and naked mole rat continue to navigate deep truths about life and human nature while letting their sweet and supportive friendship shine.
Praise for Otis & Peanut Forever and Ever
• Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
• School Library Journal’s 39 of the Latest and Greatest Graphic Novel Fiction Series selection
“Emotionally honest conversations that figuratively and literally send these heroes to new places.“
— Kirkus Reviews
“The popular series continues with this third outing, bringing friendly solutions to hardships shared by all ages.”
— School Library Journal
Illustrated by Kelly Collier
Published by Owlkids Books
Snail is an epic explorer. Well … kind of. He especially loves the quiet things about adventures, like reading maps, collecting souvenirs, and finding wonder around every corner. And Snail knows that not all adventures need to be far-away—they can also be near-away—which is why he and Stump choose a vacation close to home: a staycation! They smell the smells, listen for the sounds, and take in the sights—and then they notice something spectacular, something so astonishing that they’re able to see their neighborhood from a whole new perspective.
Praise for How to Staycation Like a Snail
• Toronto Public Library’s First and Best 2024 List
• Ontario Library Association’s Best Bets 2024, Honorable Mention
★ “An adorable and hilarious picture book ...”
— School Library Journal, starred review
"The creators of How To Party Like a Snail (2022) offer a similarly validating follow-up that speaks directly to all readers who, like Snail and Stump, 'love being happy homebodies and epic explorers at the same time.' Even when it’s only an arm’s length away, the world beckons for closer inspection."
— Kirkus Reviews
"Hrab's amusing tale is just right for encouraging children to explore their own surroundings and maybe share their discoveries with someone else."
— Booklist
"For children who may never get the opportunity to travel from home and are made to feel that their summer vacations don't count because they didn't go anywhere, How to Staycation Like a Snail validates their experiences and gives them directives on how to staycation with satisfaction."
— CanLit for LittleCanadians
Illustrated by Kelly Collier
Published by Owlkids Books
The Frog and Toad-style duo returns in a new series of stories about celebrating loved ones, past and present.
Praise for Otis & Peanut Forever and Ever
• School Library Journal’s 39 of the Latest and Greatest Graphic Novel Fiction Series selection
• Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
• American Library Association’s Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List 2024
• Politics and Prose Bookstore Children and Teen’s Favorites 2024
• Canadian Children's Book Centre’s Best Book for Kids and Teens 2024, starred selection
• Ontario Library Association’s Best Bets 2024, Honorable Mention
• Texas Library Association’s Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List 2025
• Missouri Association of School Librarians' Denny O'Neil Graphic Novel Recommended Reading List 2025
“In a non-didactic, naturalistic fashion, these vignettes capture the beautiful, bolstering experiences that can come from embracing the gifts of grief rather than keeping them locked away. […] A consciously composed graphic novel that embraces joyful memories and deliciously sweet moments, and a worthwhile experience for all young readers, grievers or no. ”
— School Library Journal
“Friends make room for joy in the wake of sadness. […] A feel-good tale of pals bonding as they grapple with grief. ”
— Kirkus Reviews
Illustrated by Kelly Collier
Published by Owlkids Books
A quirky and iconic new graphic novel series about a long-haired guinea pig and a naked mole rat. In three stories, Otis and Peanut explore themes of loss, fear of change, and cooperation, while demonstrating what it means to be a supportive and caring friend.
Praise for Otis & Peanut
• School Library Journal’s 39 of the Latest and Greatest Graphic Novel Fiction Series selection
• Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Award, Shining Willow Nominee, 2025
• The BRAW Amazing Bookshelf BolognaRagazzi Awards, 2024
• Texas Library Association’s Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List, 2024
• The White Ravens Catalogue Selection, 2024
• The Egghead: The Doug Wright Award for Best Kids’ Book, Winner, 2024
• Michigan Great Lakes Great Books Award Nominee, 2024-25
• Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
• American Booksellers Association’s Best Books for Young Readers, 2023
• Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Best Books for Kids and Teens, Starred Selection 2023
• Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids, 2023
• The Globe and Mail: Children’s Books Gift Guide, 2023
• Betsy Bird’s 31 Days, 31 Lists: 2023 Comics and Graphic Novels for Kids
“In each episode, something worries or saddens Otis, but, luckily for him, his sweet, caring friend Peanut is always ready to offer help and comfort. Particularly poignant is the second story, “The Swing” […]” — The New York Times
“Following in the footsteps of Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad is this delightful pairing of Otis, a long-haired guinea pig, and his pal Peanut, a naked mole rat. In each of the stories that make up this collection, Hrab and Collier explore the connections between this unlikely pair.” — The Globe and Mail: Children’s Books Gift Guide, 2023
“Please open this book — you will find the most adorable, quirky pair of furry friends! Take the best of Frog & Toad, and turn the goofy factor up to eleven, and you will have the exact level of heartwarming, engaging, social-emotional lessons, in an outrageously cute package. “I mean, Peanut’s teeth alone won me over from the get-go. I always love stories about tender-hearted creatures who specialize in worry (like me!) — I hope you love this one, too!” — Jasmine, Kepler’s Books
”Throughout the stories, the two friends work together to carve out a sense of belonging; like Frog and Toad or Elephant and Piggie, they’re sure to become reader favorites. […] A tender friendship story for the ages.” — Kirkus Reviews
”For kids who enjoy sweet, sensitive, and heartfelt stories about friendship and trust.” — School Library Journal
“I love the tone of this book, by the way. Naseem Hrab is capable of some SERIOUS range. None of her picture books ever look the same and now she’s branching out a bit older. Meanwhile, I love the expressions and heartfelt yearnings of these characters. The eyes! Kelly Collier can do more with a pair of eyebrows that some folks can do with entire bodies.” — Betsy Bird’s 31 Days, 31 Lists: 2023 Graphic Novels (Comics!) for Kids
”Lightened with jokes and silly antics, these stories also portray many quiet gestures as the friends support each other. The limited palette, simple backgrounds, and exaggerated features of the characters evoke classic children’s books of the 1950s and 1960s.” — ”Nine Funny Graphic Novels About Talking Animals,” Brigid Alverson, School Library Journal
”Otis & Peanut is a timeless book about compassion and knowing where to turn when you need a pick-me-up.” — Canadian Children’s Book News
Illustrated by Kelly Collier
Published by Owlkids Books
An introverted snail throws his own kind of party to celebrate all things quiet. With comics-style storytelling and lovable characters, this hilarious tale makes quiet so fun that even the most extroverted readers will want to SHHHelebrate!
Praise for How to Party Like a Snail
• CBC Books: The Best Canadian Books for Kids and Young Adults, 2022
• Cybils Award, Picture Book Finalist, 2022
• Joan Betty Stuchner — Oy Vey! — Funniest Children’s Book Award Shortlist, 2023
• Chickadee Award Nominee, 2023-2024
• Michigan Great Lakes Great Books Award Nominee, 2023-2024
• Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award Nominee, 2024
• Forest of Reading Blue Spruce Award Nominee, 2024
• CBC Books: 20 Canadian books to give to kids and teens this holiday season, 2023
• School Library Journal: 12 Ideal Picture Books for Children with Autism
• School Library Journal: Affirming Autism: How to Choose Books for Girls Who are Autistic
★ “Wildly charming.”
— Publishers Weekly, starred review
“This is tailor-made for younger party lovers with a low tolerance for high decibels.”
— Kirkus Reviews
”A nice social-emotional addition to any collection, this has a very quiet character carrying a rather loud message: All volumes welcome.”
— School Library Journal
Illustrated by Nahid Kazemi
Published by Owlkids Books
After her grandfather’s death, a young girl wanders through his house. As she tours each room, the objects she discovers stir memories of her grandfather—her baba bozorg. His closet full of clothes reminds her of the mints he kept in his pockets. His favorite teacup conjures thoughts of the fig cookies he would offer her. The curtains in the living room bring up memories of hide-and-seek games and the special relationship that she and her baba bozorg shared, even though they spoke different languages.
Praise for The Sour Cherry Tree
• Governor General’s Literary Awards Winner, Young People's Literature – Illustrated Books, 2022
• NPR’s Picture This Interview
• The White Ravens Catalogue Selection, 2022
• The Globe and Mail 100: The books we loved, 2021
• CBC Books: The Best Canadian Picture Books, 2021
• Kirkus Reviews 150 Most Anticipated Fall Books, 2021
• Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Books of the Year, 2021
• USBBY Outstanding International Books List Selection, 2022
• TD Summer Reading Club Top Recommended Read, 2023
★ Starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal and Quill & Quire
★ “A universally relatable story that articulates a difficult concept for younger audiences, with a heartfelt message about loss and the memories of loved ones.”
— Booklist, starred review
★ “Deeply evocative, Hrab’s narrative captures a child’s understanding of loss with gentle subtlety, and gives space for processing those feelings. Kazemi’s chalk pastel art pairs perfectly with the text and title: Pink cherry hues, smoky grays, and hints of green plants appear throughout the book, concluding in an explosion of vivid green that brings a sense of renewal, joy, and remembrance to the heartfelt ending.”
— Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “This book on grief and the passing of a grandparent perfectly encapsulates a child’s perspective. […] It’s an essential guide to mourning, in its earliest stages, for the young.”
— School Library Journal, starred review
★ “The Sour Cherry Tree lives beyond the page. From the expanse of grief to a message of hope, it embodies what the young girl perhaps most loved about her grandfather: that he loved her.”
— Quill and Quire, starred review
”If you are looking for a story about the death of a grandparent that handles everything with humor and compassion, I’d start here.” — Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production
“A poignant story surrounding a death that transcends language and cultures.”
— Canadian Children’s Book News
”The first-person narration, filled with childlike details and tender emotions, reinforces the equally childlike perspective of the delicate art.”
— The Horn Book Magazine
Illustrated by Frank Viva
Published by Groundwood Books
A little boy spends the weekend at his dad’s new apartment in this picture book about how things change when parents separate — and the important things that stay the same.
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Awards & Praise for Weekend Dad
• Governor General’s Literary Awards Finalist, Young People's Literature – Illustrated Books, 2020
• Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award Finalist, 2021
• Junior Library Guild Selection, 2020
• Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Books of the Year, 2020
• Toronto Public Library First and Best Selection, 2020
• Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices, 2021
• USBBY Outstanding International Books List Selection, 2021
• Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books of the Year, Outstanding Merit, 2021
★ Starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly and Quill & Quire
★ “Unsparingly compassionate; an excellent addition to the collection of books about separation and divorce.”
— Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “This is a book that might not work for all kids, but for children – and parents – who find themselves navigating post-divorce realities, it will feel essential.”
— Quill & Quire, starred review
★ “Hrab uses repetition to simply yet powerfully establish the family’s new routine, while Viva’s line drawings, in shades of green, yellow, and rose, gently twine the child’s newly separate experiences of family.”
— Publishers Weekly, starred review
”Truthful and touching, this picture book sends the reassuring message that children can be deeply loved even when parents separate.”
— The Horn Book Magazine
“[A] heartfelt story about divorce that will ring true with plenty of young readers.”
— Travis Jonker, 100 Scope Notes (SLJ)
“Separation and divorce are common, and this book is a great recommendation for any family dealing with them.”
— School Library Journal
“The sketchy cartoon illustrations are as simple as the story, which they reflect in this affecting story of a child of divorce.”
— Booklist
”Here, the underrepresented topic of parental separation is handled with sensitivity and grace—sophisticated illustrations and simple, poignant text make for an insightful read.”
— USBBY Outstanding International Books List Selection, 2021
Illustrated by Josh Holinaty
Published by Owlkids Books
With lots of laughs and comics-style storytelling, it’s a funny, touching look at how feelings can be confusing, and how processing emotions can take time―and a bit of help from a pretty good friend.
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Praise for Ira Crumb Feels the Feelings
“Being sad has never seemed funnier.”
— Kirkus Reviews
"With its comic book style, snappy dialogue, and potty humor, this story stands out as a great choice for social-emotional learning shelves."
— School Library Journal
“Demonstrating an understanding of how children cannot always identify or reconcile their emotional responses, this funny story offers some methods of coping, such as dancing or talking to a friend, and throws in large bursts of humor to keep readers engaged.”
— Booklist
“Cloaked in the humour, is a sweet story of a boy of colour who is allowed to have emotions that aren’t happy.”
— The Book Wars
"Teachers of preschoolers and kindergartners will appreciate its lessons on emotions."
— CanLit for LittleCanadians
“This book teaches children how to make up with their friends in a peaceful, respectful way.”
— Resource Links
Illustrated by Josh Holinaty
Published by Owlkids Books
Full of comedic touches, comics-style storytelling, and a diverse cast of quirky characters, this hilarious picture book puts an endearing spin on the anxiety that accompanies change and making friends.
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Praise for Ira Crumb Makes a Pretty Good Friend
“Hrab’s debut comes packed with wry whimsy that’s ably matched by Holinaty’s visuals. … A valuable lesson in friendship, with walking pickles on the side.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“Comedy ensues ... A fast-moving text that speaks to the fear children have about being the new kid anywhere in life, this title will be especially welcome on the shelves for back-to-school storytimes and shared readings.”
— School Library Journal
"With colorful, cartoonish artwork and large conversation bubbles filled with easy-to-read dialogue, this story of a boy’s anxiety about making friends will show readers that, many times, the best way to make a friend is to be yourself! A fast and fun read."
— Booklist
“Hrab, a former librarian, knows what makes kids laugh... But amid the laughter are some very good lessons about making friends that will undoubtedly help soothe the anxieties of many children. ”
— Quill & Quire
